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Extrabody: An optogenetic remote for extracellular antigen-driven cell behaviors
1Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China.
Cell Chemical Biology
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Researchers created extrabody, a light-controlled antibody system. This platform allows for precise, light-triggered antigen recognition and control over engineered cell behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Antibodies are crucial for targeted biological recognition.
- Controlling antibody function with external stimuli remains a challenge.
- Spatiotemporal control over cellular processes is essential for advanced biological engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel platform for stimulus-dependent antigen recognition.
- To enable precise spatiotemporal control over engineered cell behaviors using light.
- To create a modular and versatile light-gated antibody system.
Main Methods:
- Development of extrabody, a modular antibody platform.
- Splitting surface-displayed antibodies into light-sensitive fragments.
- Reassembly of antibody fragments upon light stimulation to achieve antigen recognition.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of stimulus-dependent antigen recognition via extrabody.
- Achieved precise spatiotemporal control of engineered cell behaviors.
- Validated the modularity and light-gating capabilities of the platform.
Conclusions:
- Extrabody offers a powerful new tool for controlling biological systems with light.
- The platform enables precise manipulation of cellular functions based on antigen recognition.
- This technology has potential applications in synthetic biology and therapeutic development.
